There Is A Power Game Going On In Every Conversation

Understanding this will make resolving conflicts easier.

I was watching a music video titled “Kende Ne Naina”. Youtube link

The plot revolves around a couple in a joyful relationship. The boyfriend is dedicated to establishing his company, with his girlfriend's unwavering support.

As time progresses, he becomes engrossed in his work, neglecting his girlfriend. She endures the loneliness and disrespect until she can no longer bear it and decides to leave him.

Realizing his error too late, the boyfriend tries to reach out to her repeatedly through messages and calls, only to be ignored. After several months, she finally responds, and they arrange to meet. He sincerely apologizes and, presenting a ring, proposes to her. She accepts, leading to a happy ending.

When Two Nuclear-Powered Countries Fought with Sticks

On June 15, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley, Ladakh. This confrontation resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops.

The incident drew global attention as both nations possess nuclear weapons. However, surprisingly, the conflict involved improvised non-firearm weapons such as sticks, stones, and clubs, some reportedly wrapped in barbed wire.

This unusual choice of weaponry was due to a 1993 agreement in which both sides pledged not to use firearms to avoid escalating conflicts. Despite their longstanding rivalry, the leaders demonstrated maturity in preventing a potential nuclear crisis.

This approach to conflict resolution is officially termed "Détente," a deliberate effort to mend strained relations through diplomatic means.

A historic example of détente occurred after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to establish a direct hotline between Washington and Moscow, often referred to as the red telephone. This hotline allowed quick communication between the leaders in the event of another potentially catastrophic confrontation. Such initiatives fostered trust and led to significant disarmament treaties and a reduction in nuclear arsenals.

When Relationships Mirror Rival Gang Dynamics

Let’s revisit the original story from the beginning of the article.

The relationship started off well, with both parties forgoing the need to actively maintain power dynamics. The boyfriend thought she would never leave him, and perhaps unknowingly, took advantage of his girlfriend’s generosity. Eventually, she recognized the imbalance once it reached a breaking point and withdrew to reclaim her autonomy.

The boyfriend soon realized he had lost his influence and shifted to a strategy of appeasement. The girlfriend recognized her regained power and maintained it by ignoring his attempts at reconciliation. This scenario mirrors the power dynamics often seen between rival gangs.

What if there had been clear communication from the start?

If both parties had managed their power through diplomatic means, akin to how the USA and Soviet diplomats operated during the Cold War, the relationship might not have reached such a critical point.

The issue lies in our naive belief that humans are inherently altruistic, engaging in relationships without any expectations. However, in reality, we are merely animals with a limited capacity for rational thought, overshadowed by our more primitive instincts. When we respond unconsciously, the results can be ugly.